We’ve sprung through spring and splashed through summer. Autumn splendor is on its way; Carolina blue skies will backdrop leaves of ambers, ochres and rich reds. Temperatures will drop and fall foliage will soon follow. Don’t miss a chance this year to see fall in all its majesty.

While there are countless locations to enjoy autumn colors right here in Lancaster County – including your own backyard – you can also pack a picnic and take a day or weekend trip to soak up the changing of seasons.

One of the marvels of modern society is the ability to read the views of various folks who contribute to newspapers all over the world. In case you missed it, we just celebrated National Newspaper Week.

According to the latest research, almost 70 percent of your neighbors have read either a printed newspaper or a cyberspace version in the last seven days.

I think it’s because the old black and white and “read all over” newspaper is still the most trusted source of local news we have.

The Native American studies program and the Catawba pottery collection at the University of South Carolina Lancaster is getting some coast-to-coast exposure.

It is being featured as one of three segments in a national television commercial for the University of South Carolina that is getting airplay during Gamecocks sporting events. It is also broadcast during “The Steve Spurrier Show.”

The element of surprise was not a factor when Buford Middle School opened football practice in August for the 2011 season. Not for BMS veteran football coach Greg Caskey, who among his new players was Tory Knight, 12.

Knight, a Buford Middle seventh-grader, is a girl.

Still for Caskey, it wasn’t stunning to see Knight out for the team.

“I wasn’t surprised in the least bit,” Caskey said. “She had told me as a sixth-grader in my physical education class she was coming out for the team.

The jet-setting lifestyle came easy for J.T. Franklin. It’s no wonder he was smiling.

His grin came from helping estimate, design and oversee the electrical components of facilities like the $143 million Mecklenburg County Courthouse with its 39 courtrooms, the $27 million Billy Graham Library and 44 hospitals from coast to coast.

When it comes to adding variety, flavor and aroma to foods, herbs and spices have been used for centuries.

“Spices were once so costly only the wealthy could afford them. In 11th century Europe, many towns paid their taxes and rent in pepper,” said dietitian and educator Alice Henneman, author of “Add a Little Spice (& Herbs) to Your Life!”

While it is a given that spices and herbs both come from for plants, that’s where the similarity ends, said Ann Hertzler of Virginia Cooperative Extension Service.

American diarist and suffragette Ellen Birdseye Wheaton one wrote, “All my scattering moments are taken up with my needle.”

Van Wyck seamstress Janie Straight knows that truth first hand.

A self-professed former hippie in 1970s California who has worked as a waitress, journalist, typesetter and sign painter (to name a few), Straight, 56, left the chaotic world of Los Angeles and settled in South Carolina with husband, Dennis, 16 years ago.